The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.

Emergency and Trauma Center is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.

Our center is dedicated to caring for you with a comprehensive range of orthopaedic services. Whatever your orthopaedic needs, our team delivers the most advanced skills, interventions and treatments available in East Tennessee.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is a cancerous (malignant) tumor of the esophagus. This is the tube that moves food from the mouth to the stomach.

Esophageal cancer is not common in the United States. It occurs most often in men over 50 years old.

There are two main types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These two types look different from each other under the microscope.

Squamous cell esophageal cancer is linked to smoking and drinking too much alcohol.

Adenocarcinoma is the more common type of esophageal cancer. Having Barrett esophagus increases the risk of this type of cancer. Acid reflux disease (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) can develop into Barett esophagus. Other risk factors include smoking, being male, or being obese.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have difficulty swallowing with no known cause and it does not get better. Also call if you have other symptoms of esophageal cancer.

Appointments

Ready to set up an appointment? Our office is convenient to downtown and West Knoxville. Visit the Contact Us page for directions.